Austin Boat Accident Lawyer

Experienced Legal Help for Injured Boaters & Swimmers

Boating is a popular pastime in and near Austin. However, not all boaters are as safe, responsible, or experienced as they should be, and boat accidents have the potential to cause serious harm to those involved.

If you or someone you love was injured in a boat accident on Lake Travis, Lake Austin, or any other body of water in the Austin area, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Doan Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to help you through the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Call (800) 349-0000 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with an Austin boat accident attorney.

Types of Boat Accidents

Boat accidents can occur in various ways. While some are true “accidents,” others are the result of someone’s negligence. In either case, those who are injured in boat accidents may be entitled to financial compensation.

Some of the most common types of boat accidents in Austin include:

• Collisions with other boats
• Collisions with fixed objects
• Collisions with swimmers
• Sinkings
• Groundings
• Fires
• Explosions
• Flooding

Common Causes of Boat Accidents

Boat accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents in Austin include negligence, operator inexperience, and alcohol or drug impairment.

Other common causes of boat accidents include:

• Operator error – Boat operators who do not have sufficient training or experience may not know how to properly navigate the water. Additionally, some boat operators simply make mistakes or act negligently while on the water.
• Defective boat parts – Boats are complex machines with numerous parts. If any of these parts are defective, the boat may not function as expected. Defective boat parts can be caused by design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate safety warnings.
• Reckless boating – Reckless boating includes a wide range of dangerous activities, such as speeding, weaving through traffic, and jumping boat wakes. Reckless boating is against the law and can lead to serious accidents.
• Equipment failure – Boats have a variety of systems and equipment that must be properly maintained in order to prevent accidents. If any of these systems or equipment fail, the boat may not operate as expected and cause an accident.
• Weather – Severe weather, such as storms and high winds, can make boating dangerous. However, even relatively mild weather can lead to accidents, such as if the boat operator fails to check the weather forecast and is caught off guard by a storm.

Boat Accident Claims Process

Boat accident claims can be complex, and the insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. After any type of boat accident, it is in your best interest to contact an Austin boat accident attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney can help you through the claims process, which typically involves the following steps:

1. Investigation – Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident in order to determine its cause and who should be held liable. In some cases, liability may be shared by multiple parties. For example, if the boat operator was intoxicated, the boat owner may also be liable for the accident under the theory of negligent entrustment.
2. Evaluation – Your attorney will also evaluate your damages, which may include your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
3. Insurance claim – Your attorney will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company, working to secure a settlement that fully compensates you for your damages.
4. Lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and begin preparing your case for trial.
5. Settlement negotiations – In many cases, the insurance company will offer a fair settlement once a lawsuit has been filed. If this does not happen, your attorney will represent you in court and fight for the compensation you are owed.

Liability in Boat Accident Injury Claims

Boat accident injury claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. In order to hold someone liable for a boat accident, you must be able to prove that they owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty of care, that this breach of duty caused the accident, and that you suffered measurable harm as a result.

Boat owners and operators have a duty to follow all relevant boating laws and to operate their boats in a safe and reasonable manner, taking into account the conditions of the water and any other factors that may affect the safety of the boat. If a boat owner or operator fails to uphold this duty of care and you are injured as a result, you can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages.

Boat accident injury claims can be complex, and there may be multiple parties who are liable for your injuries. For example, if a boat owner knew that the boat was not in a safe condition but allowed it to be used anyway, they may be held liable for the accident under the theory of negligent entrustment.

Additionally, if the accident was caused by a defective boat part, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat or the part.

Why Choose The Doan Law Firm?

After any type of boat accident, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible. However, not all attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to handle boat accident injury claims.

At The Doan Law Firm, we have helped numerous boat accident victims and their families recover their entitled compensation. We understand the unique challenges of boat accident injury claims and can help you navigate the legal process. Our Austin boat accident attorney will fight for you at every stage, from initial negotiations with the insurance company to representing you in court if necessary.

Call our office at (800) 349-0000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an Austin boat accident lawyer.